Search:

may be this question of terminology but based on the description you have bent edge not a smile.
I am also curious about the rolling X, circles is nice and simple but if it does not work then that...

Circles only, might or might not work the problem, depending how much warp you have. IMHO working for many hours with stroke that might or might not solve the problem is counter productive, not to...

usually when I have a razor that does not hone with standard circles or x strokes, I test which more exotic stroke will do the job.
You could also try narrower stone if you have one and see if this...

how's the hone wear on the spine?
Also do you use tape?